This blog is not for the light-hearted or easily offended. If either one of those descriptions applies to you, i would suggest you start drinking before you read this blog. A sense of humor is suggested. If you don't have one that sucks for you … find one and get a life!

In which i reached out

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Every once in a while this blog is more than just a “lark” to me. Yesterday was one such time. When I got out of my workout I had an email from someone, which said the following:

Hi Lynn,

I can’t express how wonderful it has been to read your blog entry about Keely & her ABC tumor. My 15-year-old daughter has been fighting three of the SOB’s for a year now. They insist on developing on her spine.

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when they hear ABC’s are benign, but what they don’t understand is that they erode bone, and although I’m not a medical professional, even I know a person has to have a spine. The corrosive aspect scares me to death. It was great to read about your doctor. It sounds like she is really on top of things. We are working with surgeons in Boston, but we live in Savannah. Long travel days!

If you get a chance, please write back. You are the first parent I have found who has a child with this condition, and you can imagine how anxious I am to speak with another mom about this.

Thank you so much for your blog! Monday is looking pretty good because of it. :)

I replied immediately and sent her my cell number. I remember when Keely was first diagnosed and I sat down at the computer to Google everything there was about ABC’s (Aneurysmal Bone Cysts). Although there was literature on it, it was usually involving the very easy and common types. Keely had one of the least common and most destructive types. So did this child.

It was so frustrating Googling and Googling and finding absolutely nothing on the outcomes in these difficult areas and I knew what it was like to feel scared and uninformed.

This woman called me and we talked for a long, long time. Her daughter who is only 15 has had 3 reoccurrences in less than a year. Each surgery is scary and painful and I really felt for this family.

However, after talking a while about what had occurred and who their doctors were, I felt that I was able to offer both comfort and advice. Sometimes just listening and having someone to talk to are enough.

Obviously I can’t do much for this family but I did encourage them and make a few suggestions.

When I got off the phone it made me realize that although most of what I do on this blog are fun and games, occasionally I can make a read difference and ya know what? For that alone, it’s all worth it.

Just wanted to share this … I know it’s not funny but neither am I all the time.

14 Comments

This is why it’s okay to blog even when you’re in distress/ down in the dumps or you’re having it bad emotionally. You just never know who you’re helping out there when someone reads your blog and is in the same situation.

It’s so sweet of you to give your cell number so you two could discuss these things and offer her advice. :)

Yes – it is all worth it. And life isn’t all about humor. It’s so much more than that.

Hugs! :-) I wait for all your posts with equal enthusiasm.
My love to Keely!Vidya Sury recently posted..Things That Matter

Julie

August 7, 2012

This just warmed my cold, bitter heart. Seriously ~ how awesome is it that your blog had such a significant impact on someone you were able to speak with (again, an example of your generousity). It just makes me love you more (as you know, not in a creepy way).

I love the power of blogs. I love that we can connect with complete strangers, even when we’re not at our witty best. I as well agree with Dylan. Showing all of our sides makes us human and makes me want to come back here and read again and again.Likethewrap recently posted..Jesus is my CoPilot

That’s amazing! How awesome! It’s terrifying when your child is in any kind of danger and to be able to be there for someone must have felt wonderful! :)Kelly Fox recently posted..The Foxy Guide to Extermination

Lynn, i have been telling you for almost 20 years …you have this innate skill to connect events, understand relationships,and interpert behavior. In addition ,you’re an entertaining story teller.The list goes on……